Khao Yao
เข่ายาว
Literally: long knee
Khao Yao is an explosive long-range Muay Thai knee strike with a forward lunge, used after breaking a clinch or against a retreating opponent.
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Khao Yao (เข่ายาว), literally the long knee, is an explosive Muay Thai knee strike thrown upward at full force to the body, ribs or head. It requires a strong push-off from the supporting leg and a fast extension, usually with a forward step. Mechanically it combines the straight and diagonal knee, and by lunging from distance it aims to break through the opponent's guard. One source describes it as an extended variant of the straight knee, thrown from a greater distance than Khao Trong. It ranks among the six traditionally named knee strikes (khao). English sources translate the name two ways: one loosely as "knee bomb", the others as "long knee". It differs from Khao Loi, a flying jumping strike, in that its power comes from the push-off and extension of the supporting leg without leaving the ground. It shares with Khao Loi a limited use in the clinch, applied mainly as a follow-up after breaking it. It is most effective for punishing a retreat after a teep or a feint, especially when the opponent backs toward the ropes.